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Local school children learn about new extra care scheme

05 May 2016

Pupils from Short Wood Primary School’s Year 5 classes recently learnt all about the development of the new ShireLiving extra care scheme Oakwood in Wellington, Shropshire.

Jane Kind, Assistant Project Manager for The Wrekin Housing Trust who is working on the Oakwood scheme, explained to the children about the various different stages that the Trust’s Development team goes through before any property is built. As the pupils are currently learning about community, Jane showed them the various plans and architects drawings that are used at consultation. She also encouraged the children to think about why extra care schemes are important in tackling loneliness and isolation amongst older people.

Jane said: “It’s great to work with the community, especially the children at Short Wood who are very interested in how the new homes are built. There is a real need for quality affordable housing designed for older people, and we’re pleased to be able to provide these new apartments for over 55s.” The children are currently working on a weaving of an oak tree which will be on display in the public area at Oakwood, so that it can be enjoyed by everyone; not just the residents. This isn’t the first time that Short Wood has been involved with the extra care scheme, as the reception class’s artwork was recreated as a 14 metre mural on the hoarding of the site in Wellington, Shropshire last summer.

Tracey Wynn, Assistant Head Teacher at Short Wood Primary School, said: “The children really enjoyed Jane’s presentation about Oakwood, and the teachers were very impressed too. We’re all looking forward to creating the weaving and visiting Oakwood when it’s complete!”

Oakwood, the £9 million development of apartments for the over 55s, will be completed later this month and will be officially opened later in the year to coincide with the Queen’s birthday celebrations. Find out more about ShireLiving at www.shireliving.co.uk